A Great Week for Hockey

I’ve been busier than usual lately. Just finished writing a 10-page paper for a research methods class. Anyway, here are a few updates that you may find interesting: My ’94-95 Lockout Article in Beckett Hockey #249 I have a 2-page article in the May 2013 issue of Beckett Hockey (#249). It is entitled A Hobby-Changing … Continue reading “A Great Week for Hockey”

Almost a Third of the 1961-62 Topps Set

Normally, the 1961-92 Topps (don’t call it O-Pee-Chee) Hockey Set is not one I go after. I’m too fixated on 1963-64 Parkhurst and 1957-58 Topps when I go to card shows in search of vintage. But my local card shop recently acquired some 1961-62 Topps, and the prices were fair (around half  or less of … Continue reading “Almost a Third of the 1961-62 Topps Set”

Collecting Resolutions for 2013

The “new year” is not so new anymore. Last year, I posted my collecting resolutions (and did pretty well, I might add). Because writing about them makes keeps me honest, here are my five collecting resolutions for 2013. 1. No more “miscellaneous stacks” Many times I’ll buy interesting looking cards from the quarter boxes at … Continue reading “Collecting Resolutions for 2013”

Review: Check Out My Cards Purchase

On November 23, the online trading card store Check Out My Cards (www.COMC.com) had a “Black Friday” sale. For you Canadians, that is what the day after American Thanksgiving is called, since it is the unofficial start of the Christmas shopping season. Retailers would “black out” the schedule for that day–meaning, NO ONE was getting … Continue reading “Review: Check Out My Cards Purchase”

Review: 1997-98 Pinnacle

In the quest to put out product quickly and cheaply, sports cards manufacturers, like drug dealers, have consistently undervalued the power of quality. Of course, it’s because they know the junkies will keep buying. This doesn’t mean that the addicts have lost all discernment, however. Personally, I fiend for powerful sports photography in my cards. … Continue reading “Review: 1997-98 Pinnacle”

1994-95 Action Packed Hall of Fame Prototype Cards

Two promos hint at what could have been a memorable set Action Packed is best known for the “puffy” football card sets they produced in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Their cards were akin to a topographical map; the player’s image was embossed, raising it off of the surface of the card, giving it … Continue reading “1994-95 Action Packed Hall of Fame Prototype Cards”

About this Website

Hockey Cards, Collectibles and Culture! From physical artifacts like trading cards, action figures, and game-used sticks, to culture like books, movies, video games and memes, Puck Junk celebrates all things hockey. Sal Barry // Editor and Webmaster // Twitter: @PuckJunk I started Puck Junk because I didn’t think anyone would give me an opportunity to … Continue reading “About this Website”

1972-73 O-Pee-Chee Set: Build or Buy?

Have you ever been on the fence as to whether you should buy a complete set or build it yourself? For sets from the 1980s and 1990s, it’s a no-brainer–buying a complete set will save you time and money. But with older cards, it is not that simple. Complete sets of older cards are harder … Continue reading “1972-73 O-Pee-Chee Set: Build or Buy?”

1990-91 Upper Deck Prototype Cards

Prior to the release of their inaugural hockey set, Upper Deck issued prototype cards of Wayne Gretzky and Patrick Roy. The two cards were given out at the National Sports Card Convention in Arlington, Texas in July 1990 – roughly four months before Upper Deck Hockey would hit the shelves. The prototypes helped generate excitement … Continue reading “1990-91 Upper Deck Prototype Cards”